Probabilistic Earthquake Loss Modeling - Open Position at Swiss Re
Date: 10/30/2006
Swiss Re is presently searching for a candidate with strong credentials in
seismology/geophysics to work in its New York based Catastrophe Natural
Hazards team. The position will report to the Head of Natural Catastrophe
Perils, Andrew Castaldi, and be located in Armonk, New York.
Please send inquiries and CV to Mariagiovanna_Guatteri@swissre.com and
Andrew_Castaldi@swissre.com.
For over 40 years Swiss Re has dedicated significant resources into
studying and developing procedures for quantifying the anticipated economic
and insurance losses due to the effects of natural hazards, notably
earthquake, tropical storm, flood, tornado and hail. This is accomplished
by transforming empirical data, scientific, engineering, and financial
knowledge into business related applications, e.g. probabilistic models or
other tools. These tools are then used by the Catastrophe Perils unit and
the Swiss Re Group to evaluate and quantify risk and to steer the Group's
exposures to natural catastrophe within acceptable levels. In the past few
years, the link of such models to financial market products, e.g.
catastrophe bonds, has become an important area of our work.
Our projects are oriented towards our core business (insurance/risk
transfer) but often go beyond the pure business aspect. As such our work
is valued by the academic community and is often aligned with many external
world scientific, financial, and humanitarian organizations. While the
topic of risk assessment for natural perils remains as a constant of these
projects, each project typically explores new areas or new aspects of a
particular natural hazard. In the Americas we have seven individuals
situated in Armonk, New York who are part of a worldwide natural hazard
team. Most members of this team have advanced degrees in one of the natural
or physical sciences, engineering, programming, finance, or insurance.
The candidate would learn our business and then work on and initiate
projects relating to earthquake hazard and risk evaluation. Our
responsibility lies within the Americas, North, Central and South America.
Accordingly an understanding of the geological hazards and local conditions
of this region is important. At the same time, these projects are often
interlinked with global initiatives. Co-ordination and interaction with
other, international Swiss Re experts is an important aspect of the daily
work. Aside from good English skills a familiarity with Spanish or German
is a plus.
A candidate would also need good to strong data management skills as well
as experience with certain programming or statistical applications such as
MatLab. This position will also be responsible on many cross-Atlantic
collaborative projects with other Swiss Re seismic experts located in
Zurich, Switzerland. It is expect that 50% of the time this position will
be involved in Research and Development with the remaining 50% being
devoted to application and support.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can work in a team
environment as well as individually. This is a great opportunity for
someone interested in applying his or her skills within the private sector.
The position allows to utilize your expertise as a scientist or engineer
and to develop and challenge your task solving capabilities when
transforming this expertise into cutting edge risk transfer tools for Swiss
Re, the insurance industry and capital markets. The ultimate
responsibilities for the position are dependent upon the aspirations of the
individual. Someone who can quickly assimilate concepts and improve upon
them will widen his/her role within the group.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Understand and evaluate the seismic related hazards specific to North,
Central, and South America
-Provide R&D and client support directed at quantifying seismic loss
exposure on an event and probabilistic approach
-Assist or leads in developing probabilistic tools/technology for seismic
loss identification and evaluation
-Act as a liaison between the scientific community and Swiss Re
-Problem solving and analysis
Ancillary Responsibilities:
-Aid in the catastrophe underwriting and pricing process
-Represent SRA at various client and industry events
-Statistical analysis
-Understand cat modeling technology
-Knowledge of the insurance industry
Requirements:
-Technical Skills:
--Sound understanding of key parameters of seismic hazard and/or
anti-seismic engineering principles.
--Programming knowledge, preferably with Matlab software.
--Ability to handle complex database and spreadsheet applications.
--Experience with numerical modeling a plus.
--An advanced degree in seismology, geophysics, earthquake engineering or a
related discipline.
-Demonstrated superior problem recognition/definition, analytical and
solving skills
-Proficient in mathematics or statistics
-Strong PC and software skills ( programming a plus - Java, SQL, Matlab)
-Very good English verbal and written communication and presentation skills
-Demonstrated ability to make decisions utilizing sound judgment
-Strong willingness to work in a team as well as work independently
-Able to effectively manage own time and priorities
-Highly motivated individual
Mariagiovanna Guatteri | VP | ILS Catastrophe Perils Analyst
Swiss Re Capital Management and Advisory | 55 East 52nd Street, New York,
NY 10055, USA
Direct: 1-917-368-4361 Fax: 1-212-317-5586 E-mail:
mariagiovanna_guatteri@swissre.com
